Sukhpal Khaira calls VB report frivolous and politically motivated

Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira has as termed the vigilance report as "frivolous" and "politically motivated" which had exonerated former cabinet minister Gulzar Singh Ranike in connection with embezzlement of border area development programme funds.

Addressing mediapersons here on Sunday, Khaira alleged that the report was just an eyewash and a brazen attempt to shield Ranike, the main accused in the scam.

"It is astonishing and alarming that the vigilance bureau in its challan named six persons as accused and has totally absolved Ranike of all charges. As per the challan, only Rs 74 lakh of BADP funds was embezzled," he said.

"By exonerating Ranike, the viewpoint of all opposition parties that VB was merely a tool being used by the Badals to settle political scores stands proved," he said, adding, "It is now abundantly clear that there is no hope for any transparent functioning from the VB and that it is in fact wasting public exchequer money, by carrying out such shady investigations."

Khaira demanded that the probe into the embezzlement of BADP funds be handed over to the CBI without any further delay, so that the real culprits could be brought to justice.

"It has been learnt that the VB and state government are going to withdraw the corruption case against Sucha Singh Langah from the trial court at Mohali. Charges were framed under the Prevention of Corruption Act against 8 others besides Langah and many witnesses have already deposed before the court, then why is the government and the prosecuting agency VB withdrawing the case? The only apparent reason again seems to be to shield, protect and give a backdoor exit to Langah and other corrupt persons," Khaira alleged.

It is also surprising to note why the SAD-BJP government has left the important anti-corruption institution of Lokpal headless for the last six months? Khaira said.